ESPN's panel of insiders placed the Dallas Mavericks 23rd in its offseason NBA power rankings, leaving the team in the same position it held after the NBA Finals. The ranking drew extra attention because Luka Doncic's Lakers were slotted much higher at No. 11, creating a 12-place gap between the two teams.
That difference reflects a more cautious view of Dallas heading into the new season. While the Mavericks remain a team with recognizable talent, the ranking suggests ESPN's group sees more uncertainty around Dallas than around the Lakers at this stage of the offseason.
One of the biggest storyline points around the Mavericks is Kyrie Irving. According to the description, Irving is back from a torn ACL, but he is not available in trades. His health and role are likely to be central factors in how analysts judge Dallas' short-term ceiling.
For now, the headline takeaway is simple: ESPN did not move the Mavericks up, and it views the Lakers as being in a significantly stronger spot entering the season. Until Dallas changes that perception on the court or through roster progress, the team appears set to face skepticism in national rankings.
